Quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they are known for being durable and easy to clean. However, one downside to quartz countertops is how they can dull. In this article, we will explore the reasons why quartz countertops dull and how you can prevent it from happening.
1. Improper Cleaning
One of the most common reasons quartz countertops dull is because they are not cleaned properly. When cleaning quartz countertops, it is important to use a soft cloth and a mild, quartz-safe cleaner.
Harsh cleaners and scrubbing pads can damage the surface of quartz countertops, causing them to dull. These types of cleaners can also strip away the protective sealant that is applied to quartz countertops.
Some cleaners will also leave behind residues that can cause quartz countertops to dull over time. So what you really want to use to clean your quartz countertop when it comes to quartz cleaners is something that’s going to be gentle and not leave any type of residue.
You also want to use a cleaner that is mild, because harsh cleaners can actually damage quartz. When it comes to cleaning quartz, you really want to focus on using a mild quartz cleaner or clean warm water.
To avoid this, be sure to read the label of any cleaner before using it on quartz countertops. If the cleaner is not quartz-safe, do not use it on your countertops. To properly clean quartz countertops;
- Simply mix a mild quartz cleaner with warm water and dampen a soft cloth.
- Gently wipe the surface of the countertop with the cloth until it is clean.
- Rinse the cloth with warm water.
- Finally, wipe the quartz countertops again to remove any leftover cleaner.
- Be sure to dry the surface of the quartz countertops with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Tips: When cleaning quartz countertops:
- Avoid using harsh cleaners
- Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads
- Avoid using harsh chemicals
- Avoid using highly acidic cleaners
- Avoid using any cleaner that is not quartz-safe
2. Scratches and Abrasions
Another common reason quartz countertops dull is because they are scratched or abrased. Scratches and abrasions can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Harsh household cleaners
- Sharp objects
- Scouring pads
- BBQ grills
When your quartz countertop or any other countertop becomes seriously scratched, they tend to trap moisture, dirt, etc which tends to make the quartz countertop look dull.
Not only that, but the quartz surface also traps germs and bacteria. So you not only have the dullness, but it becomes a place where things can grow and fester.
To prevent quartz countertops from being scratched or abraded, avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads. Also, be careful with sharp objects.
Always use chopping boards and hot pads to protect quartz countertops from scratches, abrasions, and other damage.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being scratched, abraded, and dulled:
- Avoid using harsh cleaners
- Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads
- Avoid using sharp objects
3. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Another common reason quartz countertops dull is because of acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can cause the surface of quartz countertops to etch. Etching is a type of damage that can cause quartz countertops to lose their sheen and luster.
Etching is caused by acidic substances coming into contact with the quartz surface. When this happens, it causes a chemical reaction that dulls the quartz countertop.
This can be quite difficult to avoid because many common household items are acidic. Some examples of acidic foods and drinks that can cause quartz countertops to etch include:
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits
- Vinegar
- Wine
- Beer
To prevent quartz countertops from being etched, it is important to avoid constant contact with acidic foods and drinks or leave them on the quartz surface for extended periods of time.
If acidic foods or drinks are spilled on quartz countertops, it is important to clean them up immediately. Be sure to rinse off any acidic substances that may come into contact with quartz countertops thoroughly.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being etched and dulled, it is important to:
- Avoid constant contact with acidic foods and drinks.
- Avoid leaving acidic foods and drinks on the quartz surface for extended periods of time.
- If acidic foods or drinks are spilled on quartz countertops, clean them up immediately.
- Be sure to rinse off any acidic substances that come into contact with quartz countertops thoroughly.
- Use quartz-safe cleaners when cleaning quartz countertops.
4. Heat
Another common reason quartz countertops dull is because of heat. Heat can cause the surface of quartz countertops to warp, which results in a loss of sheen and luster.
Warping is most commonly caused by exposure to high levels of heat, such as from a direct flame or hot pot. It can also be caused by extended exposure to sunlight or other sources of heat.
For example, when you put hot pans, ovens, toasters, etc without using trivets, placemats, or oven mitts, the heat will transfer to the quartz countertop and can cause it to discolor, dull, or warp.
This is often common with kitchen quartz countertops that are placed near stoves and ovens. To prevent quartz countertops from being damaged by heat, it is important to use trivets, placemats, and oven mitts when placing hot objects on quartz countertops.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by heat:
- Use trivets, placemats, and oven mitts when placing hot objects on quartz countertops.
- Avoid exposing quartz countertops to direct sources of heat, such as from a flame or hot pot.
- Avoid extended exposure of quartz countertops to sunlight or other sources of heat.
5. Exposure To Hard Water
Hard water can be a major contributor to quartz countertops dulling. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, which can cause calcium and magnesium deposits to form on the quartz surface.
These mineral deposits can cause the quartz countertop to lose its sheen and luster over time. They can also make the quartz countertop more difficult to clean and can cause it to develop a dull appearance.
Generally, you would have hard water if your water comes from a well or if you live in an area with hard water. If you have hard water, it is important to take measures to protect your quartz countertops
To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by hard water, it is important to:
- Clean your quartz with distilled water.
- Do not allow hard water to sit on the surface of your quartz countertops.
- Wipe up any spills of hard water immediately.
6. Improper Sealing
While sealing quartz countertops is not absolutely necessary, if you choose to do it make sure it is done by a professional and that the best natural stone sealants are used.
Not sealing your quartz countertops properly can cause them to absorb stains and become dull over time. If your quartz is sealed with an inferior sealant that contains absurd amounts of wax or silicone, it can actually cause the quartz countertop to dull.
Also, if you constantly use homemade sealants and oils on your quartz countertops, it can also cause them to lose their sheen and luster making them appear dull.
One of the best sealants for quartz countertops is the STONETECH BulletProof Sealer which you can find on Amazon! It is a quartz-safe, non-toxic sealant that will help to protect your quartz countertops from staining and dulling.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by improper sealing:
- Make sure to seal quartz countertops with a professional and quartz-safe sealant.
- Do not use homemade sealants and oils on quartz countertops especially if it is not tried and tested quartz-safe.
7. Age
Naturally, over time, quartz countertops will dull as they age. Just like any other material, quartz is not immune to the effects of time and wear and tear.
The good news is that this natural dulling process is gradual and will not happen overnight. So, if your quartz countertops start to look a little dull, don’t panic!
There are several things that you can do to help prevent quartz countertops from dulling as they age, but in the end, some dulling is inevitable.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled with age and wear:
- Avoid exposing quartz countertops to direct sources of heat, such as from a flame or hot pot.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on quartz countertops.
- Clean your quartz with distilled water.
- Wipe up any spills of hard water immediately.
- Regularly apply a quartz-safe sealant to your quartz countertops.
8. Sunlight
Direct sunlight on quartz countertops is probably the most common cause of quartz countertops dulling.
Quartz is a mineral and, like all minerals, it is affected by sunlight. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause quartz countertops to lose their color and vibrancy. In addition, quartz countertops that are constantly exposed to direct sunlight can develop a yellowish tinge.
Sunlight is also able to dull quartz countertops because it causes the quartz to dry out. When quartz dries out, it becomes more susceptible to staining and discoloration.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by sunlight:
- Avoid placing or using quartz countertops outdoors in direct sunlight.
- If quartz countertops must be used outdoors, try to find a shady spot where they will not be directly exposed to the sun.
- You can also use Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish to protect your quartz countertop from the sun’s harmful rays.
- If quartz countertops are already displaying signs of discoloration or dullness from exposure to sunlight, try using a topical sealant such as Granite Gold Water-Based Sealant which will help to protect your quartz from further damage.
9. Improper Installation
If quartz countertops are not installed properly, it can cause them to look dull. One of the most common installation mistakes is not polishing the quartz slab properly. This can cause light to reflect unevenly off of the quartz surface, making it look dull and hazy.
Another one is not using the correct adhesive. If quartz countertops are not glued down properly with a quartz-safe adhesive, they can start to lift and separate from the counter, leaving gaps in between and subsequently leaking onto the surface of the countertop. These gaps can also collect dirt and debris, making quartz countertops look dirty and dull.
Another common mistake is allowing quartz dust particles to settle and dry over the surface of the quartz countertop after cutting. This will leave a dull film on the quartz surface that is difficult to remove.
This actually happened to me when I had quartz countertops installed in my kitchen. The installer did not properly clean up the quartz dust after cutting and it left a dull film on the quartz surface.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by improper installation:
- Make sure that quartz countertops are installed by a professional who is experienced in installing quartz countertops.
- Make sure that the adhesive used to install quartz countertops is quartz-safe.
- Make sure that quartz countertops are polished properly after installation.
- Do not allow quartz dust to settle and dry on the quartz surface.
- Clean quartz countertops regularly with a quartz-safe cleaner.
- Apply a quartz-safe sealant to quartz countertops after installation.
10. Not Properly Drying The Quartz Countertops After Cleaning
Quartz countertops can become dull if they are not properly dried after cleaning. When quartz is wet, it is more susceptible to staining and discoloration.
If quartz countertops are not dried properly after being cleaned, the water can leave behind streaks and spots that will make the quartz look dull. While this type of dullness is not permanent, it can be difficult to remove.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from being dulled by not drying properly after cleaning:
- Make sure to dry quartz countertops with a soft, lint-free cloth after cleaning.
- If quartz countertops are still wet after being cleaned open the window or turn on the fun and let it air out until it is completely dry.
11. Storing Items On Top Of The Countertops
If you store items on top of quartz countertops, it can cause them to become dull. The items being stored on the quartz countertop obscure cleaning and can cause dirt and grime to accumulate on the quartz surface. And it is as simple as it sounds – if quartz countertops are not being cleaned, they will become dull.
Tips: To prevent quartz countertops from becoming dull by storing items on top of them:
- Do not store items on quartz countertops for long periods of time.
- If quartz countertops must be used for storage, make sure to clean them regularly.
- If you must store items on quartz countertops, make sure to use an organizer or shelves with a stand to keep items off of the quartz surface.
- An alternative to storing items on quartz countertops is to use an organizer or shelves with a stand to keep items off of the quartz surface.
